On March 24, 2025, Secretary Wright announced that DOE is withdrawing energy conservation standards for electric motors, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and external power supplies. These actions, the Department noted, were being taken at the direction of President Trump’s “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation” Executive Order. This Backtracker will be updated as each of the agency’s planned moves is formalized into official deregulatory action.
The same announcement highlighted several other rules relating to energy efficiency for home appliances that the Department has already taken steps to postpone, including "Test Procedures for Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps," "Efficiency Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Freezers," and "Efficiency Standards for Gas Instantaneous Water Heaters."